Northern TierPassenger Rail Study

ROYALSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is conducting a study to examine the benefits, costs, and investments necessary to implement passenger rail service from North Adams to Greenfield and Boston, with the speed, frequency, and reliability necessary to be a competitive option for travel along this corridor.

A virtual public workshop for the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study has been scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 6 p.m. Information about registering for this meeting is available on the study website: https://www.mass.gov/northern-tier-passenger-rail-study

At this public workshop, the team will present the two initial service plan alternatives and evaluation framework. Feedback received will be used to develop four additional service plan alternatives as part of Phase 2. The meeting materials will also be available after the meeting on the Study website. Please note that this virtual public meeting will be recorded.

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email from Zoom with information about joining the webinar.

Roast pork supper at Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church

ATHOL — Due to unexpected events, this event, previously scheduled for Jan. 14, has been postponed to Saturday, Jan. 21. Reservations should be made by Friday, Jan. 20, at noon.

Start the new year with supper at the Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church, 40 Island St. in Athol. The community is invited to enjoy a freshly prepared roast pork supper. This meal includes generous portions of roast pork, real mashed potatoes, gravy, a veggie, salad, homemade bread, and home-baked pie, all for just $12. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 978-249-9561 or 978-249-4012.

Monthly suppers at Starrett Church are a longstanding tradition. The congregation is warmed to see the number of diners continuing to grow and are looking forward to the 2023 season. Meals are prepared and served by dedicated volunteers, and the kitchen is overseen by ServSafe certified Head Cook Paul Maier Jr. In addition to in-person dining, a limited number of full dinners (including pie) are available for take-out/pick-up as well as local delivery.

Reservations are required for all meals. Take-out meals will be ready for pick-up at 5:45 p.m. and guests should use the Marble St. parking lot and backdoor for easy access. The church is fully accessible using the Marble Street parking lot entrance.

Additional parking is available in the Athol Public Library lot. For more information on church suppers, weekly worship services, and new programs for 2023, visit the church on Facebook @StarrettMemorialUMC.

Real estate and personal property tax bills mailed

NEW SALEM — The third and fourth quarter Fiscal Year 2023 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax bills were mailed on Dec. 31, 2022. The third quarter bills are due Feb. 1 and fourth quarter bills are due May 1.

Questions regarding the assessed value of your property, abatements/exemptions, forms, or address/owner changes should be directed to the Assessors at 978-544-5814 or newsalemassessor@outlook.com or through the chat feature on www.newsalemma.org/assessors

For the quickest response to questions about paying a bill, email the Tax Collector at newsalemtax@gmail.com. Residents can also leave a message for the collector at 978-544-5775. Be sure to include a name, phone number or email, and the address of the property.

To look up tax bills for current or prior years or to make online payments using a credit card, debit card, or bank payment, use the online payments and bill lookup links on the Assessors web site. Residents can use this feature whether or not they plan to pay the bill online.

Non-cash payments may be deposited in the 24-hour tax payment drop box located in front of the Town Hall at 15 S. Main St. or mailed to the Tax Collector, 24 S. Main St., New Salem, MA 01355. Money orders or postal orders can be used in place of cash. Cash payments (exact change, please) may be made during office hours on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

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